Everton held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw last season at Goodison Park. Photograph: Neal Simpson/Empics Sport/PA Photos

ESPN has announced the first 17 of 46 live Premier League matches it will broadcast during 2009–10 season. Its televised coverage will begin with Everton v Arsenal on the opening day of the season, and other high-profile matches include Liverpool v Aston Villa on 24 August and Tottenham v Manchester United on 12 September. All will be shown in Britain on ESPN's soon-to-be-launched standard and high-definition channels.

"We're clearly delighted to be able to broadcast 46 Premier League matches this season," said Lynne Frank, ESPN's managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We are pleased to be a part of the beautiful game, and look forward to delivering fans of all 20 Premier League clubs top quality coverage as the story of the season unfolds."